Bluegrass State Standouts: Top 2024 Centers

After an action-packed season of high school basketball in the Bluegrass State last year, it’s time to look back at some of the most impressive performers on the court. Today, we will be continuing my “Bluegrass State Standouts” series as we dive into a new position and a new list of talented prospects. After breaking down some intriguing in-state guards, it’s time to take a look at a few electric centers that will be returning as seniors this upcoming year. Without any further ado, here’s my list of the top 2024 centers in the state of Kentucky to keep an eye on next season.

Mason Ritter

6 State

2 Pos

6'8" | C | 2024 Bowling Green  |  Grand Park Premier

At the top of my list of standouts is Mason Ritter Mason Ritter 6'8" | C Bowling Green | 2024 State KY , a 6-foot-8 center at Bowling Green High School. Ritter made a huge impact on the court for the Purples during his junior stint of high school basketball last year. In 35 contests, Ritter was the second-best scorer and the top rebounder on the team, picking up a grand total of 446 points and 363 rebounds, averaging 12.7 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. Ritter additionally shot 61.3% (187-305) from the field and 75.8% (72-95) from the free throw line. In addition to impressive size and speed, the rising senior out of Bowling Green, KY. adds smart passing, solid physicality in the paint and an excellent rebounding effort.

Ayden Evans

5 State

1 Pos

6'9" | C | 2024 Elizabethtown  |  Phenom United 3SSB (OH)

Coming in at close second on my list is Ayden Evans Ayden Evans 6'9" | C Elizabethtown | 2024 State #160 Nation KY , a 6-foot-9 center at Elizabethtown High School. Evans was one of the more efficient players on the floor for the Panthers during his junior stint of high school basketball last year. In 34 games, Evans was the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, picking up a total of 548 points and 328 rebounds, averaging 16.1 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. Evans additionally shot 61.0% (192-315) from field goal range, 45.5% (5-11) from the three-point line and 74.0% (159-215) from the free throw line. In addition to impressive size and speed, the rising senior out of Elizabethtown, KY. plays with excellent toughness in the paint, makes an effort to pass, contributes to the boards and collect rebounds.

Will Gibson

14 State

3 Pos

6'6" | C | 2024 DeSales  |  Grand Park Premier

At number three on my list of standouts is Will Gibson Will Gibson 6'6" | C DeSales | 2024 State KY , a 6-foot-6 center at DeSales High School. Gibson was one of the more explosive weapons on the floor for the Colts during his junior season of high school basketball last year. In 33 contests, Gibson was the third-best scorer on the team, picking up a total of 384 points and 167 rebounds, averaging 11.6 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. Gibson additionally shot 56.8% (162-285) from field goal range, 11.1% (2-18) from beyond the arc and 54.7% (58-106) from the free throw line. In addition to impressive size and speed, the rising senior out of Louisville, KY. contributes with his physicality underneath the basket, efficiency on the boards and his consistent rebounding effort.

Charlie Fitzer

33 State

4 Pos

6'9" | C | 2024 Pikeville  |  Phenom United Adidas Gold

Claiming the number four spot on my list of standouts is Charlie Fitzer Charlie Fitzer 6'9" | C Pikeville | 2024 State KY , a 6-foot-8 center at Pikeville High School. Fitzer was a huge contributor for the Panthers during his junior season of high school basketball last year. In 30 games, Fitzer was the second-best scorer and the top rebounder on the team, picking up a total of 411 points and 327 rebounds, averaging 13.7 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. Fitzer additionally shot 69.9% (188-269) from field goal range, 40.0% (2-5) from the three-point line and 49.3% (33-67) from the free throw line. In addition to impressive size and speed, the rising senior out of Pikeville, KY. is a versatile player with solid physicality and consistency in the paint as he can make smart passes, drive to the lane and haul in rebounds.

Brax Ward

40 State

5 Pos

6'9" | C | 2024 Owen County

Finishing at number five on my list is Brax Ward Brax Ward 6'9" | C Owen County | 2024 State KY , a 6-foot-9 center at Owen County High School. Ward was a huge difference maker on the floor for the Rebels during his junior stint of high school basketball last year. In 33 contests, Ward was the second-best scoring machine and rebounder on the roster, picking up a total of 440 points and 264 rebounds, averaging 13.3 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. Ward additionally shot 57.7% (187-324) from the field, 26.8% (15-56) from beyond the arc and 64.6% (51-79) from the free throw line. In addition to impressive size and speed, the rising senior out of Owenton, KY. plays with excellent toughness and awareness as he can drive to the lane, pull up for a jumper and contribute underneath the rim with an explosive rebounding effort.